"The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

When hired by an eccentric millionaire to tease out secret messages in Shakespeare's plays, Elizebeth discovered a hidden talent for code breaking.  During WWI and WWII, Elizebeth and her husband William both became the premier experts, and key players in the fields of cryptanalysis. 

Although this book was well written and engaging, I felt like I had read this book, or a similar one before.  Both Elizebeth and William's lives were utterly fascinating.  It was intriguing to read about both their successes and failures.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Woman at the Front" by Lecia Cornwall

After graduating from medical school, Eleanor finds it impossible to find work as a woman in the 1910's.  When given the opportunity to travel to France as the private doctor of her brother's childhood friend, she jumps at the chance.  Despite the prejudice against her sex, she quickly becomes invaluable to the medical post, proving herself over and over.

It seemed throughout the book that all of the characters were obsessed over romance.  I found this very off putting.  I wanted to read a story about a strong independent woman, not someone who wanted to fall in love with every man that she met.  Despite this criticism, I did enjoy reading about Eleanor's successes, and her fight for equality at the medical station.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Wildcat" by John Boessenecker

In 1899 Pearl Hart robbed a stagecoach at gunpoint.  Dressed as a man, her exploits immediately spread like wildfire and a manhunt ensued.  Once captured, she basked in the attention, posing for photos, giving interviews and loving every minute of it.  This book explores both her early life, exploits, and later life.

I really enjoyed this book.  It was well paced and engaging.  The entire Hart family was fascinating.  I would definitely pick up another book by this author.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Tsarina's Daughter" by Ellen Alpsten

Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine has an idyllic childhood.  She is surrounded by luxury and family.  She dreams of marrying King Louis XV of France, and ruling as Queen.  When her father dies the Russian line of succession is thrown into chaos and she finds her fortunes reversed.  Now she is dependent on the goodwill of those around her.

Elizabeth was an interesting and dynamic character.  She truly grew over the course of the book, and it was fascinating to watch.  The book was well paced and unraveled in a dramatic and intense way.  I would love to read more from this author.  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

"This Might Hurt" by Stephanie Wrobel

Natalie's sister Kat left for Wisewood, a spiritualistic retreat over six months ago.  Other than a cryptic email, Natalie has not heard anything from her.  Puzzled over the email, and worried that Wisewood is really more of a cult than a retreat, Natalie travels to Wisewood to find her sister.  Alternating with Natalie's point of view, is an unnamed girl with an abusive stepfather.  When the unnamed girl is given a book about Houdini, she discovers a love for magic and spiritualism.

  This book felt like something was missing.  The plot was a bit weak and lacking.  I did think the back and forth point of views worked very well.  The unnamed girl's story was particularly interesting, as I tried to guess exactly who she was.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Fervor" by Alma Katsu

Meiko and Aiko live in a Japanese internment camp while Meiko's husband fights in the Pacific.  A mysterious disease begins spreading among the internees.  The disease starts as a cold and quickly progresses to irritability and violence.  In surrounding areas, mysterious balloon type objects are found.  The balloons are covered in Japanese script.  Wherever a balloon lands, the disease begins spreading.

  This book was an interesting blend of history and the supernatural.  Although the point of view shifted multiple times, the characters were well formed and developed.  The plot was a bit slow at times, particularly in the beginning when the story was building.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. 

"The Next Ship Home" by Heather Webb

Both Alma and Francesca find themselves at Ellis Island.  Alma, a worker, is in charge of translating for the immigrants and running various errands.  Francesca and her sister arrive on a boat from Italy, hoping to start a new life in America.  However, Francesca's sister falls ill and without a sponsor, both find themselves detained.  Alma, conflicted about immigrants, finds herself drawn to Francesca.  The two develop an unlikely friendship and find themselves as allies. 

  I enjoyed reading from both Francesca and Alma's points of view.  They were both dynamic, well rounded, and very believable characters.  I also found it fascinating to read about Ellis Island.  I have read few books about Ellis Island and will definitely pick up more in the future.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The School of Mirrors" by Eva Stachniak

When beautiful young Veronique is noticed by  King Louis XV's procurer, she is taken from her life of toil and hardship to live in relatively luxury.  Pampered and well fed, she is introduced to the "Polish Count," who is really Louis.  Louis finds her naivety and youth to be charming and quickly seduces her.  When Veronique becomes pregnant, she is no longer of use and is taken away.  The book then shifts to her daughter, Marie-Louise's point of view.  Marie-Louise is fostered to a couple whose only interest is greed.

  The shift from Veronique's point of view to her daughter's point of view was very jolting.  I did not enjoy reading from the pov of a young child and found those chapters tedious and hard to get through.  I wish the author had focused solely on Veronique and found another way to incorporate Marie-Louise.  Due to this criticisms, I would not reread or recommend this book.